President of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), Mr. Abdalkarim Al-Zubaidi, and APLA Executive Director, Mr. Abdallah Anati, participated in the second meeting to launch the work of elected local government councils for 2026–2030 in the northern governorates. The meeting was organized by the Palestinian Ministry of Local Government for the governorates of Nablus, Qalqilya, and Salfit, following a series of meetings held across the northern areas. The meeting was attended by H.E. Minister of Local Government Dr. Sami Hijjawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Local Government Mr. Raed Muqbel, Deputy Governor of Nablus Mr. Abdullah Al-Asali, GIZ Programmes Director Mr. Jihad Al-Shakhshir, Director General of the Local Government Units Development and Lending Fund Mr. Mohammad Al-Ramahi, as well as heads and members of local government councils and staff from the Ministry and its directorates.

The meeting addressed the laws, regulations, and procedures governing local government work, as well as the key financial and administrative challenges facing local government units. In this context, Al-Zubaidi emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of local government units and empowering them to effectively and independently fulfill their service and development responsibilities. He noted that elected councils bear a significant responsibility in leading their local communities and strengthening citizens’ trust and resilience, which requires a clear vision grounded in the law, safeguarding public funds, and enhancing the quality of local services and development.

To strengthen partnership and integration among the pillars of the local government system, Al-Zubaidi reaffirmed APLA’s role in supporting local government units, defending their interests, strengthening their capacities, and creating a supportive environment for the work of elected councils. He emphasized the importance of establishing a more efficient and sustainable approach to local governance, strengthening the councils’ ability to plan, advance local development, respond to citizens’ needs, and support community resilience. He also highlighted the importance of improving resource management, enhancing revenue collection, diversifying sources of income, and advancing decentralization, digital transformation, and partnerships.

The programme also included a dialogue session entitled “Visions and Experiences Towards a Better Future for LGUs,” with the participation of APLA Executive Director Mr. Abdallah Anati. Anati emphasized the importance of strengthening local government units’ confidence in their capacities and expertise, and empowering elected councils to exercise their mandates within the legal and institutional frameworks governing their work, ensuring that they carry out their responsibilities efficiently and responsibly.

Anati reaffirmed that APLA will continue to provide support and assistance to local government units through technical expertise and specialized consultations, institutional capacity development, and the enhancement of local and international cooperation and partnerships. These efforts aim to empower local government units to address challenges and respond effectively to the needs of their communities.

APLA’s participation in this programme reflects its role as an elected national institution representing Palestinian local government units, following up on issues related to the development of the local government sector, strengthening communication with elected councils and supporting their capacities, while continuing coordination and partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and relevant national and international institutions. These efforts contribute to advancing the local government system and enabling local government units to effectively fulfill their service and development roles.